Sergeant Boston Corbett, Co. L, 16th NY Cavalry - "Lincoln's Avenger" - 1865

3D red/cyan anaglyph created from glass plate stereograph at Library of Congress - Prints & Photographs Online Catalog: www.loc.gov/pictures/

 

Title: Sgt. Boston Corbett, U.S.A.

 

Date: 1865

 

Photographer: Mathew B. Brady, Wash., D.C. studio.

 

Notes: A stereoscopic portrait of Sergeant Boston Corbett, Co. L, 16th NY Cavalry, who became nationally famous as “Lincoln’s Avenger,” the man who shot and killed John Wilkes Booth. However, there’s much more to this man’s story, but it’s difficult to know where to begin. Corbett strikes me as something of a cross between Sergeant York, Forrest Gump, and Lewis Carroll's the Mad Hatter. His bio would make the perfect screenplay for the next Coen brothers or Quentin Tarantino movie. Below are some of the highlights, with each section summarized beforehand in brackets.

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[Changes his name – Works as a Hatter – Wife and baby die – Alcoholism - Religious Conversion – Self Castration]

 

Abraham Lincoln and Boston Corbett

By Byron Berkeley Johnson

Published 1914

 

“…..Born in London, England, in 1832, named Thomas P., which name he retained until he was baptized in Boston. Then he declared that Christ, when he called his disciples, gave them new names, and that his name should henceforth be Boston Corbett.

 

In 1839, he came with his parents to New York, and presumably to Troy, N. Y. He struggled in poverty for an education, became a fair scholar and a fluent speaker. At Troy, he learned the hatters trade and became very proficient, working there several years, thence went to New York City. He married and lost his wife and infant child at birth. He was unable to meet the expenses he had incurred. He became despondent and a victim of the cup which destroys body and soul unless speedy rescue comes. While under the influence of liquor he strayed into a Salvation Army meeting, where he was detained until sober. They exacted a promise that he would come the next evening.

 

…..He followed the Army meetings until his moral fibre developed into enthusiastic advocacy of "Come to Christ," his favorite plea. At the Fulton Street meetings he became known as the "Glory to God" man, and his amens at times were too vociferous. His conduct subsequently at the Bromfield Street Church, Boston, bears the same reputation.

 

….In height, he was about five feet five, stocky build, brown eyes, fair face, mild countenance, parted his hair in the middle, and had a clear ringing voice. In 1857, he commenced to work at the shop of Samuel Mason, Jr., a manufacturing hatter at the corner of Dock Square and Washington Street, Boston…… In the Mason shop the men worked piece-work, each depending upon the promptness of the next man in passing along his part. Some of the men were at times profane. At such events Corbett would stop, kneeling, offer prayer for the sinners, and sometimes adding a song — all the men would be obliged to hold up work. Being an expert workman and using great self-denial he was able to discharge all his New York debts. This being accomplished he spent his money for books and tracts, which he distributed at North Square and other North and West End meetings.

 

At one of his North Square meetings he was accosted by two young women who sought unsuccessfully to inveigle him from the path of virtue. Desiring to have no inclinations in that direction (as he said "to be holy"), he proceeded to self-castration, for which he was treated in the Massachusetts General Hospital, from July 16 to August 18, 1858.”

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[4 Enlistments during the Civil War]

 

“….He left immediately for New York, enlisted there as a Private in Co. I, 12th New York Militia, April 19, 1861, for three months. He enlisted again in the same regiment Co. K, June 2, 1862, and was mustered out October 8, 1862. The 12th New York Militia surrendered at Harpers Ferry, W. Va., in September 1862. It was mustered out at New York October 12, 1862, and declared exchanged January 11, 1863. Corbett again enlisted June 19, 1863, as Corporal in the same organization and was mustered out July 20th, 1863. August 4th, 1863, he enlisted as Sergeant in Co. L, 16th New York Cavalry and was mustered out at Washington with the regiment August 17th, 1865.”

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[In 1862 he threatens fellow soldiers for violating the Sabbath and shoots one]

 

The Daily Leader

Cleveland, OH

Sept 06, 1865

 

“….As far back as the summer of 1862, Boston had made his mark among his "fellow soldiers. He was at that time on duty at Harper's Ferry in the Twelfth Militia regiment from this city. One sultry Sunday afternoon, Boston chanced to be on picket duty near the railroad, half a mile or so beyond Bolivar Heights. Owing to the intense heat, the officers and soldiers found it uncomfortable to stay in the encampments, and accordingly sauntered out into the fields and woods, the various pickets along the line permitting them to pass without hindrance. Not so, however, with Corbett. He looked upon, the proceedings as a desecration of the Lord's day. Accordingly, when Captain Herrick, of an Ohio militia regiment and a member of the Twenty second New York (Colonel Aspinwall's) came up to his beat, he brought them to an abrupt halt…..Boston, with a musket in one hand, and a Bible in the other, struck a defiant attitude on the railroad track and asked "where are you going?" "To pick some blackberries,” was the answer. “Do you not know" he replied, "that you are violating God's law? Does this book not tell you (looking down at his Bible) to remember the Sabbath-day, and keep it holy?” The captain, who was himself a Christian, retorted "I guess we know as much about the Bible as you," and the two, passed on. This was too much for Boston. Quickly flinging the Bible upon the ground he brought his musket to his shoulder, and, leveling it at the breast of the Twenty second soldier, he exclaimed. "If you go a step further you are a dead man," This, of course, was an efficient argument. The two turned back, very fortunately for themselves, for, as events have since proved, Corbett’s fingers were not pressing that trigger for nothing.

 

A few weeks subsequently the enemy began to show themselves up the valley, and detachments of the Twelfth and Twenty-second were sent to guard the railroad to Winchester. Corbett was of the number. One day a difficulty occurred between him and another soldier. Boston was sorely aggravated; for nearly three months he had been cooped up on Boliver Heights, firing blank cartridges and perforating a target. Here was an opportunity to make a telling shot and perhaps subserve the ends of order and justice; so raising his Minie, he discharged a dose of cold lead into the offender's thigh.

 

This little feat of course sent Boston to the guard house, with bread and water fare. What punishment was subsequently meted out to him we never heard. Jackson, soon after, captured the place, and we lost sight of Corbett until he turned up in connection with the Booth tragedy.”

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[In 1863 he calls out his commanding officer for profanity – deserts the regiment - avoids being shot - reenlists – June 1864 he kills 7 men - captured by Mosby’s Rangers and sent to Andersonville]

 

Orleans Independent Standard

Irasburgh, Vt

May 19, 1865

 

“…One day at a dress parade in Franklin Square, Butterfield cursed and damned the regiment for something he did not like. Corbett stepped out of the ranks and reproved the Colonel for breaking God's law. He was of course put under arrest. He made up his mind that the time for which he enlisted expired at twelve o'clock at night on a certain day. He gave notice that he should go home when his time was out. He was put on picket duty, and as the hour of midnight was sounded he laid his gun down on the line and marched off. He was tried by court-martial and was sentenced to be shot. The order was not executed, but he was drummed out of the regiment. Nothing daunted he enlisted again. He was in a detachment of the New York sixteenth who were hemmed in by Mosby near Culpepper. All surrendered except Corbett. He stood out manfully with his revolver and breech-loading rifle. He killed seven men before he surrendered. He brought his man down every time he fired, and as each rebel fell he shouted: “Amen! Glory be to God” just as he used to at Fulton Street Meeting. Mosby liked his pluck, and ordered his men not to shoot him. He was a prisoner at Andersonville. He now passes down to history, immortalized as the avenger of the President.”

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[Exchanged and released Nov. 1864 - out of 14 men in his company, only Corbett and another man survive Andersonville]

 

Abraham Lincoln and Boston Corbett

By Byron Berkeley Johnson

Published 1914

 

“…I was captured by them and sent to Andersonville, Ga. There God was good to me, sparing my life while only another and myself lived to return out of fourteen men of my own Company. But bless the Lord, a score of souls were converted, right on the spot where I lay for three months without any shelter. Many others were, for meetings were held in different parts of the Bull Pen. I was exchanged at Savannah on the 19th of November, making my imprisonment five months. After being in the hospital at Annapolis a while, I had a furlough for thirty days and then returned to duty with my regiment.”

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[April 26, 1865 – Corbett shoots John Wilkes Booth hiding in a barn near Port Royal, Va.]

 

The New York Herald

New York

April 28, 1865

 

Statement of Sergeant Boston Corbett

 

“On Tuesday afternoon my superior officer, Lieutenant Edward P. Docherty, received information that two persons, answering to the description of Booth and his accomplice, Harold, were concealed in a barn on the place of Henry Garrett, about three miles from Port Royal, In the direction of Bowling Green. There we captured a man named Jett, who ferried Booth and his companion across the Potomac. At first he denied knowing about the matter; but when threatened with death if he did not reveal the spot where the assassins were secreted, he told us where they could be found, and piloted us to the place.

 

Booth and Harold reached the barn about dusk on Tuesday evening. The barn was at once surrounded by our cavalry, and some of our party engaged in conversation with Booth from the outside. He was commanded several times to surrender, but made no reply to the demand save that "If you want me you must take me….."

 

At three o'clock, or a little after, the barn was fired. Before the flames were kindled Booth had the advantage of us in respect to light. He could see us but we could not see him. But after that the tables were turned against him; we could see him plainly but could not be seen by him. The flames appeared to confuse him, and he made a spring toward the door, as if to attempt to force his way out. As he passed by one of the crevices in the barn I fired at him. I aimed at his body; I did not want to kill him; I took deliberate aim at his shoulder, but my aim was too high. The ball struck him in the head, just below the right ear, and, passing through came out about an inch above the left ear. I think he stooped to pick up something just as I fired. That may probably account for his receiving the ball in the head. I was not over eight or ten yards distant from him when I fired. I was afraid that if I did not wound him he would kill some of our men. After he was wounded I went into the barn. Booth was lying in a reclining position on the floor. I asked him—“Where are you wounded?" He replied, in a very feeble voice, his eyeballs glaring with a peculiar brilliancy, "In the head. You have finished me."

 

He was then carried out of the burning building into the open air, where he died about two hours and a half afterwards. About an hour before he breathed his last he prayed for us to shoot him through the heart and thus end his misery. His sufferings appeared to be intense….when the doctor arrived Booth was dying. He did not talk much after receiving his wound. When asked If he had anything to say, he replied: "I die for my country," and asked those standing by to tell his mother so. He did not deny his crime.”

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[Corbett receives threatening letters - sleeps with revolver under his pillow – God directed the bullet that killed Booth]

 

History of Cloud County, Kansas

By Mrs. E. F. Hollibaugh

Published 1903

 

“….The unfortunate fellow drifted from pillar to post. After saying his prayers at night—for he is a devout Christian—Corbett retires with a loaded revolver under his head and moans piteously during the long hours of the night, he is not a lunatic, as has been accredited him, but a strange, unhappy and eccentric man who doubtless suffers untold terrors, and has visions of "Nemesis pursuing him" wherever he goes; the troubled spirits of revenge will not let him rest. His constant fear remains the same and he is steadfastly on the alert for assassins. For many years after the death of Booth, threatening letters followed him everywhere.

 

Private Dalzell writes he saw one of these letters, which was headed "Hell," adding: "You will be here soon," and signed "Booth." While at the Dalzell residence Corbett was the recipient of several of these uncanny messages and was never in a town ever so obscure that they did not reach him, each missive containing all sorts of threats. Corbett complained bitterly and justly of the neglect with which the government treated him. Mr. Dalzell says: "Let no one suppose it was remorse that rendered him unhappy, for Corbett was proud that he had killed Booth; nor let no one suppose it was regret, for he stoutly maintained that the Lord commissioned him to enact the deed and directed the contents of his weapon." He was asked by General Howard, "How in the world did you happen to send the bullet to the same spot, exactly to the tilting of a hair, where the fatal bullet found the life of Lincoln?" "The Lord directed it," was Corbett's only reply, and he believed it…”

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[Corbett terrorizes the Kansas Legislature – Sent to Insane Asylum]

 

The Mitchell Capital and Weekly Republican

Mitchell, Dakota

FEB. 25, 1887

 

Boston Corbett Corrals the Kansas Legislature.

 

He Adjourned the House.

 

"TOPEKA, Kansas, Feb. 24.—Boston Corbett, the man who gained a reputation as the slayer of John Wilkes Booth, has added somewhat to his notoriety by today terrorizing and capturing for a time the Kansas house of representatives. Corbett is a confirmed crank, and has made himself somewhat notorious in various ways. He was at the commencement of the legislature appointed assistant doorkeeper. There have been few signs of insanity until today. This morning he strapped on two revolvers and a box of cartridges, and with a drawn weapon drove a negro attendant from representative hall. Sergeant-at-arms Norton attempted to expostulate when Corbett cocked his revolver and pointing it direct at the officer told him to travel. He went. The maddened man then searched for Speaker Smith. Meeting a member who somewhat resembled the speaker he was about to fire when the member threw up his hands and said he was not the speaker. The member was permitted to move on. Corbett then took possession of the speaker's gallery, and walking in front of the door, held it during the entire forenoon session, refusing to allow any one to come near.

 

Three city policemen were called, but they would not venture into the dark corridor, and the slayer of Booth held possession. At 12 o'clock he sent word down to the house to adjourn or he would come down and adjourn it himself. The house adjourned. Corbett was afterward captured in the lower corridor, disarmed and taken to the police station, where he is now confined. He will be taken before the probate judge, adjudged insane and confined, in an asylum."

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[Corbett Escapes from the Insane Asylum]

 

The Indianapolis Journal

Monday, May 28, 1888

 

Boston Corbett at Large.

 

"Special to the Indianapolis Journal.

Topeka, Kan., May 26. - - A sensation was caused here today by the escape from the State Insane Asylum of Boston Corbett who killed Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln. While out for regular morning exercise with other patients, Corbett suddenly broke from the ranks, jumped on a horse belonging to a visitor, and was away before the guard could realize what had happened. Corbett has been confined in the asylum for the past month, and during that time had been more or less violent. Corbett has several times threatened to escape and kill the Governor and other State officers who had anything to do with his incarceration. It is believed that he has gone to his home in Cloud county. Corbett caused a great sensation about a year ago, when, as a door keeper, he appeared before the House of Representatives and caused the House to adjourn by flourishing two pistols and threatening to kill the Speaker and other members."

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From what I’ve read on the web, Boston Corbett then disappears into history, and it’s not known for sure exactly what happened to him after the asylum break, or where or when he eventually died.

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Red/Cyan (not red/blue) glasses of the proper density must be used to view 3D effect without ghosting. Anaglyph prepared using red cyan glasses from The Center For Civil War Photography / American Battlefield Trust. CCWP Link: www.civilwarphotography.org/

Done